The Vision Quest Chronicles: Tales of Living One's Vision

(post inspired by remarks delivered at the 3rd Annual Black Woman’s Wellness Day)

I’m contemplating why wellness matters to me, so much that it is the thread that runs through both my Organizational Development work at Cutts Consulting and success coaching practice through Vision Quest Retreats. Wellness, well at least physical fitness, has always been a part of my life. As a child I was a natural athlete and gratefully my parents encouraged active involvement in sports. My siblings and I all competed in swimming, soccer, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse, you name it. I loved to be outdoors running playing, walking whatever the seasons permitted. So being well and fit was not something I consciously worked on.

Makeda Voletta

As an adult my love for physical activity continued, still swimming, playing tennis, walking and in 2001 I added Ashtanga Yoga to my regular routine. You see I need to move and to exercise. My body, emotional and spiritual health demand it. My original chosen profession; clinical psychology focuses on psychological health of course. Why this natural focus on my own health and helping others get healthy? I’m not sure why or that it matters but perhaps it’s because of my innate sense that in order to carry out my mission, to succeed on my heroine’s quest to realize my visions that I know that I must be strong and healthy. In order to live our my vision to its fullest expression much is demanded of me on all levels of well being, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Perhaps all of this was was really brought to light for me in 1997.

A Breakdown…

I was in the later part of my doctoral program, at the dissertation phase. I was determined to finish my program in the 5 yrs allotted even though many people have taken much longer. The dissertation process can be very demanding intellectually, emotionally and physically and I was driving hard. I studied hard but also played hard (perhaps a little too hard) so in 1997 I hit a wall. My recreational and medicinal use of chemicals such as alcohol to have fun and de-stress got out of control. Thankfully that crash led me to let those things go. So now I could really focus on being truly healthy right? Well not so. Instead I transferred that addictive part of me to work and became obsessed with finishing my dissertation and my program “on time.”  My dissertation chair even tried to tell me to take it easy, that it was not crucial that I finish right at 5 yrs but in my usual willful stubborn way I ignored him and pressed on.  It was during the Christmas holiday back East that I started to notice little changes that grew more pronounced.

I was terribly fatigued, having heart palpitations, and feeling generally like poop (to use a medical term). Normally able to easily walk my then dog, Thurgood for an hour, I could barely get around the block! Something was clearly terribly wrong so my mother whisked me off to the doctor. After a series of tests it was discovered that my thyroid was way out of whack. I had to undergo treatment, but within three months my thyroid function was completely gone. I would have to take generic medicine for the rest of my life. I was also told that proper diet and exercise would become even more crucial to me staying healthy than they had before. At first I was really bummed out about this but over time I have come to see this in a very different way.  I have accepted that I have to be careful with my sensitive system, I have to eat right, continue to exercise, get the proper amount of rest and not let my workaholic tendencies overrule my life. Isn’t this what I should be doing anyway?

Costa Rica 2011

Today I don’t mind caring for my body and health. I’m glad in a way that I have such a sensitive system that tells me when I’m doing too much, when I’m not feeling well and when I’m in danger of getting sick. I listen to my body intently and do what it tells me. I honor who I am and what my limits are so that I can stay the course and achieve my objectives. I conceptualize my life as a heroine’s quest to find my truth and realize my visions. I know that I am a warrior princess and I have a mission and it’s just part of my job to stay fit to carry out this mission.

Through the use of Somatic Coaching (coaching that focuses on the body) I also bring this to my clients, both in organizations and privately. I feel like a big part of my job is to say “don’t forget your body” the vehicle that allows you to carry out your mission. Don’t neglect your well being around emotion and spirit. I know for me and think this true for others that in order to live our lives to the fullest and bring excellence to all that we do we must be healthy and strong.  Have you ever known an out of shape warrior?

What’s your story? Where does wellness figure in your life? What do you do to take care of yourself? Drop me a line with comments @ Dr.Cutts@nicolecutts.com

(photo of Makeda Voletta https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001888323765 )

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The Back Story: I came to Indianapolis for a couple days work and had not been here before so I did some quick research to see if there was anything I needed to see and had time for.  I had a vague recollection that Madam C.J. Walker had something to do with this town. A cursory search easily revealed that downtown Indianapolis is home to the Madame Walker Theatre Center (MWTC). I was thrilled to realise that I would be in the same town, on Women Owned Business Wednesday, as the home of the empire of Madam C.J. Walker, the ultimate business woman. I did not get off until 4:00 so I knew I could not schedule a tour, or even go inside the building, but at least I could go see the spot, to which I was now feeling drawn like a pilgrim to Mecca.

My pre-visit research led me to the official site of Madam C.J. Walker where my eye was drawn immediately to a picture of a woman who looked very familiar to me. I was pleasantly surprised to see her picture as we are connected on a social networking site. A’Lelia Bundles has written extensively on the life of Madam Walker to include the book On Her Own Ground:  The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker (Scribner, 2001). What I did not realize, until just then (I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit), was that A’Lelia is the great-great granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker.  On the off chance that she might respond, I dropped Ms. Bundles a quick note to tell her of my intended visit to the MWTC and to inquire about any other cool spots I should visit while in the area. To my delight she responded. She did not know too many spots to hang in other than the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians but assured me that the folks at the center would be able to direct me after the tour she assumed I had scheduled. (I had not yet explained to her that I would be going in off hours and only hoped to see the exterior of the building.) Either way, no matter as I had my destination in mind. What ever was to come after the MWTC would reveal itself once I was there.

At about 5:00 armed with directions from mapquest and my rented GPS I headed for 617 Indiana Ave. in downtown Indianapolis. The day was sunny and very pleasant and it felt good to be free and heading out on an adventure into unknown territory. I had my mission and the orders were simple; find the Madame C.J. Walker Theatre building, see as much as you can, take pictures, then decide what to do next.

Exiting the highway to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. quickly brought me to the MWTC, a flat-iron shape, four-story, block-long building originally planned to house the corporate headquarters and factory of Madam Walker’s manufacturing company. I parked, got out and walked to the front of the building where I could see the awnings and two  large posters advertising the movie about Madam Walkers life; Living the Legacy, that you can see when visiting the center. I took shots of the building’s facade and other details then I walked across the street to try and get a shot including the huge marquee that sits atop the building advertising that this is home to the “Walker Theatre” I was coming back toward the front door to head to my car when I saw a woman standing near the locked front door. I briefly hoped she worked there and might be going in and that I could at least have a quick word and take a peek.

It turned out she was waiting for someone to let her in so I decided to wait and see if I could have a quick word with her friend. I still had no idea where to go after this so I figured I could at least get some recommendations from someone familiar with the neighborhood. It seemed like forever standing there with a woman I did not know and who was probably wondering who I was and what I was doing. When her friend; Sheri,  finally came she let us both in. I did not want her to feel that she had accidentally let a stranger into the building so I quickly told her my story; that I was from out of town and that Ms. Bundles had suggested that they might be able to direct me. She apologized about me not being able to take a tour but I assured her that I understood and was happy to just see the building and even be in the lobby. She and her friend gave me some recommendations and directions to get to the canal area where I wanted to go afterward and have dinner. Somehow during the course of our brief chat this kind woman realized that I would be leaving the next day and would not have another chance perhaps to see the inside of the building. “Oh we will just have to give you a quick tour.” I have to admit my heart leapt and I realized that this is really what I had envisioned and hoped would happen if I showed up.

Sheri led me to the doors of the theatre and asked me to wait as she entered the darkened space so she could turn on some lights. I suddenly felt like Alice going through the looking glass! I had set off on this adventure not knowing what to expect and now I was being ushered into a sacred space from which you could feel the energy and legacy from the past emanating. I was in awe as I entered the beautiful old theatre. I walked past the red plush velvet seats almost without a sound on the carpet down the center aisle. I was even more thrilled when Sheri ascended the steps to the stage and beckoned for me to follow. I climbed the stairs and turned around to face the “empty” house which it turned out wasn’t empty at all. I could feel the life that had been lived in this place, almost see the people and hear the music and laughter that has coursed through this space since it opened its doors the day after Christmas in 1927! Sheri pointed out several cool things about the theatre, like the African touches; sentinels atop the proscenium arch and shared some historical facts with me.

After this we went out into the main lobby and took several pictures. I looked around hungrily, taking in as many details as I could, aware of the short time I had and the awesome opportunity I was getting. I was already thrilled by the fact that I was being allowed to see this much when I heard Sheri say she would “just quickly” take me upstairs to see the Grand Casino Ballroom and the corporate offices. I was floating by now, so while I’m pretty sure we took the elevator to the fourth floor, it feels as if we could have just as easily been transported there by some magical means.  The doors where locked so I saw the ballroom through the little windows in its doors. Peering in the windows I could just imagine all of the events that had taken place here over the years, dances, coming out parties, weddings and even Walker Beauty School graduations.

After the ballroom Sheri led me to the doors of the corporate offices, stopping off to gather some material for me to take with me; a brochure, another leaflet and even a DVD telling the history of the place and about the life of Madame Walker. At this point I actually felt as if I was dreaming. By the time Sheri led me into the board room I thought I would explode. I’m sure she thought I was pretty crazy as I prattled on a mile a minute about how thrilling the whole experience was and how lucky I felt and how awesome it was that I could write about this for Women Owned Business Wednesday, all the while, by the way, snapping and posing for pics and directing Sheri as I conscripted her into being my official un-official photographer. (I am very grateful for her patience and generosity.)

Being in the boardroom felt like being in the inner sanctum of Mecca (if there is such a thing). I had to pause and just try and imagine what sorts of things Ms. Walker and her daughter A’Lelia must have gone through while building and running this empire; the hurdles they must have overcome, the fears they had to battle, the people who tried to stand in their way. I drew strength from this as I brought it to bear on my, what now seemed like puny, struggles that I face as a woman in business for herself. I was keenly aware of the gifts I was receiving in this moment, the strength, the inspiration from her story. A woman that had lived so long before my time whose spirit was so large and is so strong as to be able to still transmute her strength and power today to me, this one little person. If the waves of her spirit could do this for me so far away across the ocean of time, what must she have done for those around her while living?

I sat in a chair at the head of the large wooden oblong table and took in as much as I could. The pictures on the wall of Madam Walker and her lineage, the poster to commemorate the postage stamp bearing her name and countenance, the art deco chandelier on the ceiling. I took it all in committing it to memory, tucking it away to return to this place when I need to. I also was given a clear directive; learn more, there is so much more in this story for you and others. It was as if I had just been handed a magic tome and had only seen the beautiful jewel encrusted cover and skimmed some of the illuminated pages. While this was awesome in itself the book glowed before me with the promise of a story of such richness and complexity that it would take much more time and research to take even half of it in.

I was so happy when I left the Madame Walker Theatre Center. I almost could not believe my luck and the synchronicity that had led to this visit. My instincts told me to go there and that I would be given direction as to where to go next. I had received inspiration and other intel to help me along my journey and handed a sacred text that holds even more riches. The book I’m writing will contain stories of women who are living their visions of success. I learn the most from other’s stories and here I was being directed to a story that I had previously left unexplored! I look forward with great anticipation to where this exploration will take me and to the treasures I will find.

I look forward to sharing them with you,

Nicole

View more pics and info at Women Owned Business Wednesdays!

Lately I have felt like a snake overdue for molting. I’m apparently going through a growth spurt and it feels very uncomfortable; like I’m growing in size and my skin is too tight so I’m being squeezed. It’s unsettling as I’m noticing ways in which I am changing and have changed and yet I keep reaching back for these old ways and old parts of my identity? Why?

Mami Wata Incarnated as a Serpent (Cutts)

The Heroine’s Quest is not an easy one. I have my direction, my vision, and know my mission (for which I am grateful) but sometimes going through certain passages or ways are hard. Part of it is fear of the unknown and the feeling of loss that accompanies all change, even good change. This is the squeezing I’m talking about. I’m a snake ready to shed her skin and I have to squeeze myself through this current crag in the rocks to help me loosen my skin in order to leave a layer behind.

Why do Snakes Shed Their Skin?

A snake sheds its skin to allow for continued growth. The skin of a snake is different from the skin of a mammal in that it does not grow as the animal grows. When people get bigger with age, our skin grows right along with us. But snake skin has a limited capacity for growth and enlargement. Thus, when a snake outgrows the skin it’s in, it simply sheds the outer layer and starts fresh. A snake will shed its skin as long as it’s growing, and snakes grow all through their lives. Thus, a snake will never stop shedding until death.

Power Gives Birth to Passion (Cutts)

Are we any different? Do I have a choice? Does a tree have a choice? Not really. I have to follow my instinct; the internal urge for life and for growth. What will this change look like? I can’t be sure, I don’t know all of it now. I’ll just have to stay tuned for further direction.

The snakes did clue me in to something though…

Snakes don’t look too pretty while they are molting but after they shed they are much more vibrant.

What’s your experience with growth spurts? Are you going through one right now? Drop me a line and tell me about it, or leave your comments on this post.

www.visionquestretreats.com

202.669.5777

Do you suffer from the insidious disease; perfectionism?

If you do you are not alone, many women (and men) who are living their visions of success still deal with this challenge (myself included). One of the antidotes I have found is to remember that before I ever accomplished a single thing, ever won a medal, got a good or bad grade, published an article or even learned to walk and talk, I was PERFECT. I was born a perfect little baby girl and so were all of us. I try to remember even when I “fail” or fall short that I am still perfect JUST AS I AM.

Natalie Merchant wrote a song called “Wonder” that I love. I listen to it when I am celebrating living my vision AND when I feel down, defeated, or less than perfect (like right now while I am procrastinating instead of working on my book). I wanted to share it with you all today on Women Owned Business Wednesday to remind US that we are all miracles so…Happy Just Being Ourselves Day!

Watch Natalie Merchant singing “Wonder” live.

Wonder

Doctors have come from distant cities
Just to see me
Stand over my bed
Disbelieving what they’re seeing

They say I must be one of the wonders
Of god’s own creation
And as far as they can see they can offer
No explanation

Newspapers ask intimate questions
Want confessions
They reach into my head
To steal the glory of my story

They say I must be one of the wonders
Of god’s own creation
And as far as they can see they can offer
No explanation

O, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She’ll make her way

People see me
I’m a challenge to your balance
I’m over your heads
How I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders
Of god’s own creation
And as far as you can see you can offer me
No explanation

O, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as she came to my mother
Know this child will not suffer
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She’ll make her way

**If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

Today, the last real day in Costa Rica, was all about relaxing. A bit of work this morning with coffee then breakfast then sunning by the pool overlooking the central valley. I really enjoyed sitting on the hillside in the hot sun with the cool breeze.  Around 2:00 this fun started to wane and I wanted some exercise so I joined my family for a hike to the waterfall.  after all of the lush rain forest we have been in, we were a bit non-plused but it was still a lovely little walk down the trail marked “easy”. Well this did not entirely suffice for the exercise I was seeking so my 10 yr old nephew and I decided to then take the trail marked “steep.” as he remarked on several occasions, “they did not lie”  After trekking down and down and down in the hot sun and only just beginning to hear the other cataracts below us, we decided to turn back.  How did I go from chillin by the pool Hollywood Hills-style to “I’d like a nice brisk walk” to end up in the scene from Kill Bill when Uma Thurman is walking up the 10000 steps to the temple of her kung fu master? I even carried a bamboo staff which my “ninja” nephew had abandoned to my capable, if somewhat shaky hands. (I had skipped lunch…not a good idea).

After surviving this ordeal I had to hike yet another mile to the restaurant on the hill. I entered the lobby as if I’d just hiked the Andes, all sweaty and red and asked for a diet coke and some water…STAT! I was offered Diet Pepsi instead but I was in no position to quibble as this was an emergency.

After this things settled down considerably. I washed up in the ladies room and returned to eat a very civilized salad. After this late lunch, shower, short chill and off to the spa for a quick scrub. I will not do a full review on the experience as I’m exhausted but let’s just say the phrase “water-boarding” kept springing to mind.

Alas it was a splendid day and a splendid trip. I feel healthy clean, rested and nourished. What could be better?

Pura Vida,

Nicole

To view more photos please visit Vision Quest Retreats on Facebook 

**If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

I am exhausted from all the fun nature and animals.  didn’t want to get behind so this is a temp post till en la manana. will at least post some pics.

Pura Vida…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,

Okay! Good Morning I’m back after a night’s sleep. Having some of this great Costa Rican coffee while I write this before breakfast.

Yesterday was all about the ANIMALS. I am a nature freak so this was a perfect day for me. We got up early had breakfast (which is included at Xandari…awesome) then took off by 8:00 for the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. I stayed there last year at the Peace Lodge and was very much looking forward to seeing the place again. Drove through rainy hilly cattle country, green and gorgeous.

The first animal we saw while making our way onto the property was the adorable White Faced Coti. He was just on the breakfast terrace having his coffee, oh I mean drinking from puddles on the ground. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a sanctuary with great enclosures and some animals just on the loose, nothing dangerous just pretty butterflies and birds and of course the coti.

The first stop, the hummignbird garden where we got to feed the adorable little flying jewels. Then Monkeys! My old friend Esperanza, the Black Handed Spider Monkey was there and she put her little hand outside the bars to greet me. Have you ever held a monkey’s hand? Very cool is all I can say.

Then butterflies, the aviary and the frog house. Saw some wildly colorful birds and a frog I had not seen last time. By the way the frogs are not behind glass but in a sort of hot house and you have to find them on top of and under leaves.

Then a stop at the casita they have on property (a reproduction of an old farmhouse) where they served cheese, a sort of heavy cornbread and agua dulce con leche which is hot sugar cane drink with milk…that stuff is delicious!

A quick stop by the big cats, beautiful but in zoo-like enclosures, then a walk down into the rain forest, which the sanctuary borders. This was a nice easy walk down after all the activity we have been doing. You come to three amazing cataracts as you take this walk which only takes about 40 mins.

Finally lunch and a quick stop back by the aviary to see the Tucanes again then back here to the hotel.

I took a walk down to the spa then to the pool where I stayed until the sun started to go down. A short stop by the yoga hut for some easy poses and a spot of meditation then back to the room to shower and go to dinner.

A lovely day!

I look forward to you joining me on my next Vision Quest Retreat.

To view more photos please visit Vision Quest Retreats on Facebook 

**If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

The word du jour?    FUN! 

Just got back from waterfall repelling…what a blast. Flying through the air, toward the ground this time. Five repels and a good 20 min hike back up and out of the canyon. Change out of wet clothes then lunch (arroz con pollo, and topped this off with some good Costa Rican coffee). Back at the hotel…soon pulling out to head to the next spot. Again unsure of internet access but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Pura Vida!

To view more photos from Costa Rica please visit Vision Quest Retreats on Facebook 

 **If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

Blue Jean Frog

If you spend any time in Costa Rica you will hear the phrase Pura Vida. Sometimes it is in answer to how are you, sometimes it is a proclamation and sometimes said to signify resignation in the sort of way people say “that’s life”

Pura vida literally means Pura = pure and vida = life, but “Pure life” in Spanish would be “Vida pura” instead, so the real meaning is closer to “plenty of life”, “full of life” or “this is living!”

I like to think of this as full of life, because that is what this place is and how it can make you feel.

Yesterday I took you through describing my day pretty much in relation to my senses and less about the activities. Today continued to be a sensual day but also a long one so I will close with more of a traditional travelogue, movement from point A to B with a dash of intentionality thrown in.

Early this morning coffee in the lobby then off in the van to the hanging bridges, a walk through the rainforest on trails and across suspended bridges. Lush, rainy but not a downpour. Monkeys, birds, the cute and deadly blue jean frog and a tiny maybe not so cute bright yellow highly poisonous eyelash viper.

Taste, the sense that was not particularly awake yesterday came alive today at lunch, thrilled by a freshly made spicy guacamole followed by some tasty arroz con pollo.

A lovely nap back in my room then to the hot springs for some more cuddling with the water.  Cold rain pelting me while I sat like a snow monkey in the steamy pools…divine. Scenes like a Gauguin painting on ecstasy…steam everywhere water dripping rushing misting, coming back to rest on the earth.

A massage in a large open bungalow on the bank of the creek, open to the rushing water. Good to let go to breath to allow, to be in the moment.

Very sleepy and unsure of internet access at next spot, but I hope to be able to connect again.

 Pura Vida,  Nicole

To view more photos please visit Vision Quest Retreats on Facebook 

**If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

Today was all about the sensual…awareness of my senses and how they are pleased by this place. So instead of saying where I went and what I did I’m going more with what I experienced through my senses related to sight, sound, touch, smell and spirit…  

Sight: COLORS, green of every description, crystal drops of rain hang, drip from the frilly edges of a delicate white orchid its center a purplepink. A sort of magenta mixed with black on the long leaves of the corn plant, its leaves prettier than most flowers’ petals, certainly much stronger. Looking at the world from 200 feet above the forest canopy and out over the lake that men made, sky and clouds and blue and more green.

Sound; the wind rushing past my ears, the whir of the zip line screaming silently across a canyon. Laying back first in the rushing winds and then the rushing waters of the hot springs and hearing the water almost believing I could hear where it started, at its source I traced the water back on its journey through the roiling earth, heated by the most awesome of all gods, the volcano. The rushing water does not just make one sound, when you listen you will hear about four or five distinct voices. A bird just now laughing screeching outside my door, the profusion of tree frogs, cicadas and other insects. In the midst of all this sound lies pure silence, peace distilled.

Birds call to one another all day and then there is the rain.  The rain, sometimes unsettling and relentless, batters down at times like it will never stop. It leaves everything wet to the…

Touch: How can you feel air? But sometimes you can especially when the air is soft and wet and just a little bit warm. Feeling the wind whip past my face and ears, kissing my cheeks awakening me from my sleep reminding me that I am alive. Hot. The heat that rises from the hot springs. You can feel the steam and the spray on your face. You close your eyes and let the water caress you, rush past you, threatening to drag you on, then you feel that pull and you want to go with it. I lie back in the shallows, a swirling pool and feel the water rush over me. As I lay in the hot water I feel cool raindrops refreshing on my face.

Smell: I took a moment today above the canopy to smell the air. The air smelled good and by this I mean you could actually smell the Goodness in the air. When air is good you want to pull it inside you. It feels like pure life with no chemicals no poisons just good clean air that you know comes to you with only the best intentions. Tonight walking to dinner the air actually smelled sweet. I love when that happens…

Spirit: I love when this happens. You are looking all over to find that perfect orchid so you can take a detail of it’s center. You walk around the gardens all day in search of the perfect specimen. The right orchid never really jumps out at you. When you return in the afternoon to your room someone has placed an orchid on the the small wooden table in the corner.

To view more photos please visit Vision Quest Retreats on Facebook 

**If you are a woman (21+) and would like to contribute to the book I’m writing on women living their Visions of Success please click this link to access The Vision Quest Survey **

If you have any questions about the project please contact:

Nicole Cutts, Ph.D., CEO
Cutts Consulting, LLC & Vision Quest Retreats

www.nicolecutts.com

202.669.5777

Heading on safari rafting trip down La Rivera Pena Blanca

Earlier in my quest to discover my vision I was considering how my passion for travel might figure into my purpose. Ever since I was a child I loved to travel and did so at every opportunity. I think I inherited this love from my mother and perhaps her mother who I referred to as my “nomadic grandmother” because after leaving Jamaica in 1976 she never stayed in one country for more than about 6 months choosing instead to keep no residence moving between our home in Maryland, Jamaica, Florida and Canada. Not only do I love seeing new places and learning about different cultures but frankly, perhaps also like my mother and her mother before her, I do not like to stay still for very long. Stillness breeds boredom in me and boredom I find deadly.

La Rivera Pena Blanca

When thinking about my passion for travel and how this might form into a vision (my true purpoe for which I am also paid well) I considered being a travel writer. Then I briefly considered just working to make enough money to take fabulous trips but it occurred to me that this did not feel right. It was while sitting by a poolside, of all things, in Kruger National Park in South Africa that I distinctly recall realizing that even while in the most exotic locales I feel empty if I am not productive or on some sort of a mission. Eventually this realization led to an understanding; my work must involve travel. This is, in part why Vision Quest Retreats is such a compelling vision for me. Doing what I love; helping women clarify and achieve their visions of success, traveling to exotic locales and “working” in settings that I love and in which I thrive.

All that said I am begging your allowance while I indulge my former fantasy of being a travel writer while I am here in Costa Rica. I will be doing this little travel blog while I am having fun, working on my book/s (always), and doing a little location scouting for future retreats.  

March 18, 2011: Today safari rafting trip down the river Pena Blanca that leads to Nicaragua, saw many birds, fish, howler monkeys, Jesus lizards running across the water, long nosed bats, a couple of dogs and… a cow?

In the Garden

Later went to hot springs thermal spa here at the Tabacon. The water is heated by the active Arenal Volcano and falls in a series of pools surrounded by lush tropical landscape. Lunch traditional Costa Rican food on the terrace overlooking the pool. The sun was divine after what seemed a long winter. Saw the first snake I’ve seen in CR…thrilling!

Siesta in my room late afternoon, then dinner at La Novilla Steak House. A nice meal in an open air restaurant under a full moon. Heading to bed after I do some real writing…

Buenas Noches y XXOO,

N